Paul Robinson making a big impression at Birmingham City

LEE Clark has saluted the impact Paul Robinson has made at Blues.

LEE Clark has saluted the impact defender Paul Robinson has made at Birmingham City.

The signing of the former West Bromwich Albion full-back was not without controversy.

Robinson’s infamous clash with Damien Johnson when he was with the Baggies was not forgotten when he began training with Blues.

But in his three appearances so far since penning a one-month contract, the reception for the 33-year-old has been warm.

And Blues boss Clark said Robinson had made an excellent contribution.

“He has been brilliant each game,” said the manager. “And when you consider the lack of matches he’s had as well, and football training, it’s quite remarkable.

“He has just showed his experience, his determination and his desire.

“Even when I had to put him in at centre-half and bring young Mitchell Hancox on in the Huddersfield Town game, he was quality then.

“His use of the ball is very good, his talking and encouragement of others is excellent.

“And that determination I mentioned has always been there for everyone to see.

“I have said it all along that the fans would take to him and I’m sure they have.”

Robinson made what might have been a potentially tricky St Andrew’s debut for Blues last Saturday.

But after an early full-blooded tackle on James Vaughan, the Tilton Road End and Kop were satisfied. And he went on to play shrewdly, sensibly and well.

Robinson was brought in as a free agent due to Blues’ defensive injury problems.

His current deal is only scheduled to last for two more matches.

Clark admitted he would consider extending Robinson’s stay.

“That’s something I have got to speak to the board about because, as we all know, we are short and Paul has done well,” he said.

Experience was important, said Clark, who eventually hopes to mould a much younger, ‘vibrant’ squad, with a balance between youth, players in their mid-20s and senior professionals.

That, however, is unlikely to come to pass quickly while the manager has to work under such tough financial constraints.

“Mitchell was the second youngster I’ve given an official debut, alongside Will Packwood, in the Championship this season,’’ Clark added.

“They have been the shining light for me, the way they have come through.

“Jack Deaman is another one who is on the fringes.

“But this league is ruthless. You do need experienced players and players who have seen it and done it.

“Over the longer period we have got to look to have a young, hungry, vibrant squad as well, with a good mix of senior players.

“So hopefully during the course of my tenure here, in the longer period, we would be trying to achieve that goal.”

Robinson, who was released by Bolton Wanderers in the summer and trained with Nottingham Forest and Coventry City to keep in shape, is scheduled to be available for next Saturday’s game against Leicester City then the trip to Millwall on October 23.

Blues’ regular left-back David Murphy injured his hamstring in the bashing by Barnsley.

But Clark has stated that Murphy is in contention for the visit of the Foxes on October 20.